Structure of the Head Series by Charles Hu

Head Drawing 1 | Part 1: Proportions and Structure

Learn Charles’ methods for finding the correct proportions of the head and features of the face. Charles will do several demonstrations, both from imagination and photo reference, and will conclude the lesson by giving you an assignment to help you practice what you’ve learned.

Head Drawing 1 | Part 2: Structure of the Skull

Learn Charles’ approach to skull structure, and how knowing this information will help you to define features of the face in your drawings. Charles will do several demonstrations from photo reference, which you can find embedded on this page for your own use.

Head Drawing 1 | Part 3: Light & Shadow

Learn Charles’ approach to dealing with light and shadow in your head drawings. Charles will do several demonstrations from photo reference, which you can find embedded on this page for your own use.

Head Drawing 1 | Part 4: Achieving a Likeness

Charles demonstrates how achieving a likeness in your portraits relies on matching the big shapes of the head.

Head Drawing 1 | Part 5: Facial Features

Charles will demonstrate the three-dimensional structure of the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears and provide simplified concepts to help you understand how to draw them.

Head Drawing 1 | Part 6: Facial Expressions

Charles takes on the difficult task of drawing expressions. He emphasizes the importance of internalizing the expression that your model is showing, given that he or she will naturally relax their face throughout even a short pose. He teaches you to feel the stretch and pinch of various parts of the face and head to find rhythms and opportunities to exaggerate or modify your drawing.